DUBAI: Earlier this week, Palestinian American model Bella Hadid took to social media to find out “real ways” to help those displaced and affected by the unprecedented floods in Pakistan, and it looks like she may have found some answers. She returned recently to her Instagram page to post a lengthy statement about the level of destruction the country has faced and a plea to donate to the victims through UNICEF, alongside pictures of the devastation left behind by the floods.
“This doesn’t even seem real, but is a reality to so many. More than 1000 people — a third of them children — have died during severe flooding across Pakistan,” wrote Hadid on Instagram.
“From June through August, 2022, torrential monsoon rains washed away entire villages and infrastructure across Pakistan’s four provinces, affecting at least 33 million people. 4 million acres of crops have been destroyed and 800,000 livestock have died. Not only is this traumatizing for the people of Pakistan but it will also, long-term, increase food insecurity across the country and will have a severe impact on the economy.”
She went on to urge her followers to donate to those in need through UNICEF, breaking down exactly how the money would be used.
“UNICEF is on the ground, delivering lifesaving medical supplies, safe water and nutrition, mental health support, educational resources and more. I’m putting the link in my bio in case you’d like to donate. If not, spreading the word on this environmental crisis and the people impacted is very important as well,” she wrote.
According to a report by AP, Pakistan appealed on Saturday to the international community for an “immense humanitarian response” to the flooding that has left at least 1,265 people dead. The request came even as planes carried supplies to the impoverished country across a humanitarian air bridge.
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal called for an “immense humanitarian response for 33 million people” affected by monsoon rains that triggered devastating floods. International attention to Pakistan’s plight has increased as the number of fatalities and persons left homeless has risen. According to initial government estimates, the rain and flooding have caused $10 billion in damage.